This is a tutorial for the flowers you see here. I named these flowers 'cactus flowers' because I was inspired by a variety of different cactus flowers. This flower is very simple to make, and it adds a little dimension to your page or project without the extra bulk.

Supplies needed:

- (3) Medium pointy-petal flower cutouts

- (3) Small cutouts (preferably with a gap between each petal)

- (4) Extra small pointy-petal cutouts.

- Wooden skewer or similar item

- Needle nose tweezers

- Ink (optional)

- Embossing stylus or similar item with rounded end

- Quick-drying glue

I used the Tim Holtz Tattered Florals Die for each cutout except the extra small cutouts. I used a punch for those. Before beginning, ink the edges of each layer, if desired.

STEP 1: Take your medium-sized pointy-petal cutout (Layer 1) and pinch the center of one of the petals using your tweezers.

STEP 2: Gently twist (in either direction). This is what I call a 'single pinch and twist'. I use this step often in my flower tutorials. It helps to hold down the edges of the petal with your other hand while twisting. Repeat this step on every petal of each of the three largest cutouts (Layers 1, 2 & 3).

STEP 3: Take Layer 4, the first of the three small cutouts and check to see if your layer has a gap between each petal. If not, cut a slit or a v-shaped slit between each petal. Then curl each petal back using a wooden skewer or similar item.

STEP 4: Take Layer 5 (the second of the small cutouts) and place this layer either on the back of a mouse pad or in the palm of your hand. Using your embossing stylus, rub the center of the layer in a small circular motion. Continue this circular motion on each petal as well. You will see that the petals will pop up on their own, creating a cup-like shape.

STEP 5: Take Layer 6 and give each petal a single pinch and twist the same way we did with the first three layers.

This is what your layers should look like so far.

STEP 6: Take Layer 1 and apply a dab of glue to the center of the layer. Adhere Layer 2, remembering to offset the petals slightly.

STEP 7: Adhere Layer 3 to Layer 2. Again, remember to offset the petals. You should not be able to see any gaps between the petals.

STEP 8: Add another dab of glue to the center of your flower and adhere Layer 4. Use the flat end of the wooden skewer to flatten the center of Layer 4. You may have to hold this layer down for a few seconds so that it doesn't pop off.

STEP 9: Adhere Layer 5 in the same manner. Use your skewer to flatten the center of the flower and to push the layer into place.

STEP10: Before adhering Layer 6, place it in the palm of your hand and push down in the center with a stylus (or back of a pen, back of a pencil, etc.). This will help the layer form a cup-like shape. This helps to fit this layer into the center of your flower without flattening the previous layers. Now adhere the cup-like shape to the center of your flower.

STEP 11: Take three of the extra small cutouts and layer them in the center of the flower. Remember to off-set the petals and use your skewer to push them down in the center. Be careful to only add a small dab of glue in the center. Do not glue the petals down.

STEP 12: Before adhering the final layer, you may want to ink the back of it if you are using single-sided patterned paper. Otherwise, you will see the white of the paper. Adhere the last layer upside-down.

STEP 13: Apply a dab of glue to the center of your flower and add micro beads, glitter or anything else you wish to use. Now wait for the glue to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

STEP 14: Once the glue is completely dry, use the point of your skewer or your nails to gently lift each petal into an upright position as shown above. If the glue is still wet, the petals will flop back down, so make sure it is completely dry.

And you're done! Hope you enjoy making these flowers and thanks for taking the time to check out my tutorial! Have a wonderful day!